Earth Fare brings organic focus to Ind.A 26,000-square-foot Earth Fare store is opening in Noblesville, Ind., selling products including natural meat and fresh produce. The store, with a bakery and a cafe, is the 29th in the chain, and 70% of products are organic. The Indianapolis Star (tiered subscription model)
(11/6)

Store brands are no longer considered second bestWith surveys showing that 93% of consumers had changed their shopping habits during the economic downturn, many shoppers no longer consider store brands a compromise. Products in private labels including Target's Archer Farms and Whole Foods Market's 365 Everyday score well in blind taste tests and are gaining market share. Time.com
(11/1)

Health, Nutrition & Pharmacy

5 classes of antibiotics are free at Stater Bros.All 27 Stater Bros. Markets pharmacies in Southern California are giving free antibiotics and refills in five classes to any customer who presents a prescription, even if the person doesn't have insurance. "As the only supermarket chain in Southern California to offer this program free of charge, Stater Bros. is doing all that we can to ensure accessible and affordable health care to each and every one of our valued customers," Chairman and CEO Jack Brown said. Progressive Grocer
(11/6)

Scientists develop tomato that could fight heart diseaseScientists from the University of California at Los Angeles have developed a tomato that produces a peptide that imitates the main protein in good cholesterol. Mice fed with the modified tomatoes had less inflammation and atherosclerosis. "We have found a new and practical way to make a peptide that acts like the main protein in good cholesterol, but is many times more effective and can be delivered by eating the plant," said Dr. Alan Fogelman, head of the department of medicine at UCLA. HealthDay News
(11/5), Daily Express (London)
(11/6)

Supplier News

Cheerwine concert focuses on giving backCheerwine, a cherry soft drink produced by Carolina Beverage, is pushing for national distribution. The brand aimed to raise awareness last month with a concert in Charlottesville, Va., benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters, Operation Homefront and the University of Virginia Children's Hospital. Consumers who pledged through social media to volunteer at a charity were given Livestream access to the concert. MediaPost Communications/Marketing Daily
(11/6)

Peanut yield reaches record highBecause of favorable weather and an increase in acres planted, Southern farmers are reporting a record peanut yield this year and saying the crop is exceptionally tasty. With an expected national harvest of 6.1 billion pounds, compared with 3.6 billion last year, farmers are concerned about plunging prices. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(11/6)

FMI Spotlight

Cost remains No. 1 obstacle to healthy eatingAlthough down from 2011, cost remains shoppers' top concern in eating healthier, followed by difficulty of changing eating habits. To learn more about customer preferences in healthy eating, tune into Thursday's "Shopping For Health 2012 Webinar."